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Methamphetamine abuse: issues for special populations.
T E Freese1, J Obert, A Dickow
1UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, UCLA/Matrix Coordinating Center for the CSAT Methamphetamine Treatment Project, Los Angeles, California, USA. tefreese@ix.netcom.com
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Methamphetamine abuse treatment programs are being compared to usual care. This study explores barriers and strategies for diverse populations, including rural and Native Americans, and gay and bisexual males.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a persistent issue in the western United States, recently escalating to epidemic proportions in certain areas and demographics.
- Effective treatments for MA dependence are urgently needed.
- The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) initiated a multisite Methamphetamine Treatment Program (MTP) to address this need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the Matrix Model treatment program for MA with standard treatments.
- To examine treatment access and completion issues for diverse special populations affected by MA dependence.
- To identify and present strategies for overcoming identified barriers.
Main Methods:
- A multisite study comparing the Matrix Model to treatment as usual.
- Involved seven community-based clinics in California, Montana, and Hawaii.
- Analysis focused on clients within the Methamphetamine Treatment Program (MTP).
Main Results:
- The study examined specific populations including rural Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, gay and bisexual males, and drug court participants.
- Cultural, geographic, and situational barriers to accessing and completing treatment were identified.
- Strategies to overcome these barriers were presented.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and addressing diverse barriers is crucial for effective methamphetamine dependence treatment.
- Tailored strategies are necessary to improve treatment engagement and completion rates for vulnerable populations.
- The findings inform the development of more accessible and culturally relevant addiction treatment interventions.